Anna Holmes, 71, and self-appointed ‘happy hacker’ has crossed the #Hack1000Miles finish line with her two horses – an ex-racehorse called Amber and a homebred piebald gelding called Luke.

Anna smiles, “He is my pride and joy, I was 62 when I backed him. Hacking is what we do, I believe a good hack is one of the best all round accomplishments a horse can achieve.”

While many of our challengers use mobile apps to track their distances, Anna had her own method. “I don't have a mobile phone so I rely on tried and tested Ordnance survey maps for distances, as I always have.”

Motivation

Anna found herself catching the Hack 1000 Miles bug after only a few weeks. “It is a great motivator, not that we really need it. But it does make us more likely to go out in the rain, or a slow ride on a hot day.”

Although Anna thought she might struggle over the winter, she was determined to keep going. “My plan was to put miles in the bank at every opportunity. We went out in the wind, although we don't stray far if it's raining.”

Birthday celebrations

In July she even celebrated her 71st birthday by hacking another four miles on Luke, followed by a swim in the North Sea and a picnic on the beach.

“It’s better than sitting in a chair all day. I’m always busy with two horses, but it’s nice to chill at the end of the day, knowing that the jobs are done, horses exercised and content.”

Upon completing her 1000 miles Anna said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to bits that I completed my 1000 miles with one whole week to spare. By doing Hack 1000 Miles Luke and Amber really have graduated to become Captain and Mrs Sensible.

“Thank you to the wonderful Facebook groupfor being such an encouraging group of people!”

Anna is already clocking her miles again, ready for her next 1000.

Could you Hack 1000 Miles? Find out more about our fun, free, achievable challenge here.

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